Glee Slammed By GLAAD Bosses

Gay rights campaigners have lashed out at the producers and writers of TV musical Glee for including a controversial line about transvestites in the show's pre-Halloween tribute to The Rocky Horror Show.

The cast took on characters from the spooky and camp 1970s musical in a themed episode, which scored huge ratings last week.

But Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) officials have taken issue with the use of the word 'tranny' to describe Rocky Horror's chief character Frank-n-Furter, who dresses in stockings, lingerie and high heels.

In the Glee tribute, actor Harry Shum Jr.'s character Mike is forced to pull out of his role as Frank-n-Furter because his conservative parents don't want him to look like a "tranny".

A statement from GLAAD reads, "The casual manner in which the word was used is jarring, even if he (Shum, Jr's character) may have been repeating what his parents said.

"This inclusion of this slur is particularly alarming given last season's powerful episode in which Kurt's father chastised Finn for using the word 'f*g'. That episode sent a powerful message to the show's young fanbase that words have power and they can hurt.

"Unfortunately the larger problem here is that the word 'tranny' has become an easy punchline in popular culture, and many still don't realise that using the term is hurtful, dehumanising and associated with violence, hatred and derision against transgender people - a community that is nearly invisible in media today."

Betty White: Gay Marriage Should Be Legal

Betty White is speaking out in favor of gay marriage.

The 88-year-old actress, who gained newfound cult icon status in the aftermath of her Super Bowl commercial and Emmy-winning "Saturday Night Live" hosting stint, said she believes everyone should have the right to say "I do."

"I don't care who anybody sleeps with," she told Parade magazine. "If a couple has been together all that time - and there are gay relationships that are more solid than some heterosexual ones - I think it's fine if they want to get married. I don't know how people can get so anti-something. Mind your own business, take care of your affairs, and don't worry about other people so much."

White's status as a gay icon dates back to her role as Rose on "The Golden Girls," the magazine noted. When asked about the phenomenon, she explained, "Gays love old ladies."

The actress also discussed her jam-packed schedule (she gets up at 6 every morning and goes to bed at 1:30 a.m.), whether or not she still drives ("Of course!" she said) and her taste in men.

"I've always liked older men," she told the magazine. "They're just more attractive to me. Of course, at my age there aren't that many left!"

Colin Farrell Speaks Out on Homophobic Bullying

Colin Farrell has issued a statement in support of BeLonG To Youth Service’s STAND UP! Campaign against homophobic bullying of gay young people.

The star of In Bruges, Pride and Glory and The Recruit recalls his memories of how his gay brother Eamon Farrell was terribly treated when they were young and growing up in Dublin.

Here is an excerpt:

Intolerance is not genetically encoded – it is taught. It is learned at home. It is learned in the classrooms and it is learned anywhere else we gather as a group. But it is usually learned early and added onto from there. If there is nothing to feared, there is nothing to hate. If there is nothing to hate there is no pain.

My brother was so forceful in standing up for who he was, and for the good that he knew was inside of him. Many people missed out on an opportunity, not only to enjoy him, but to enjoy themselves by embracing his “difference”.

They missed out because they saw him as a threat – not as a testament to the kaleidoscope and diversity of this beautiful world. Bullying is torture, it is another betrayal of basic human decency and its scars reach way into the future of its survivors. But the saddest truth is that not all children survive it. It is a potentially fatal societal illness and must be respected and not feared. Respected and dealt with as a very real problem and as an adversary of a potentially harmonious world, that should have no place for bullies or bullying.”

You can read the entire article at Belong To.

Bruce Springsteen Supports Gay Marriage

On the heels of the New York legislature voting down a bill allowing same-sex marriage in their state, New Jersey lawmakers had the chance on Thursday to make a different decision and they were urged to do the right thing by their state’s most famous resident: Bruce Springsteen.

The Boss posted this message on his website last week: “Like many of you who live in New Jersey, I’ve been following the progress of the marriage-equality legislation currently being considered in Trenton. I’ve long believed in and have always spoken out for the rights of same sex couples and fully agree with Governor [Jon] Corzine when he writes that, ‘The marriage-equality issue should be recognized for what it truly is — a civil rights issue that must be approved to assure that every citizen is treated equally under the law.’ ”

“I couldn’t agree more with that statement and urge those who support equal treatment for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters to let their voices be heard now.”

It’s an uphill battle though with Democrats saying they may not have enough votes. Then there’s this: incoming Republican Gov. Chris Christie has said he will veto the measure if it is passed.

Still, the fight goes on and it will never end until equality is achieved.

The Lady’s Going GaGa for Equality!

Lady Gaga is set to hit the streets of Washington D.C. this weekend in support of the campaign for equality for LGBT citizens. The 23-year-old entertainer will lead the National Equality March this weekend and is asking all Americans to join her in the struggle against inequality.

Lady Gaga stated: “On October 10th and 11th, I will be in Washington, D.C. to lend my support to the National Equality March. This march is a call to action for all people from all over the country to gather to march to be visible as one and to speak out and demand full equal rights for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens in all 50 states. If we see ourselves as free and equal people, then we need to act as free and equal people. Now is the time to act so get your ass to D.C. and lend your support. Lend your voice and demand to be heard. I hope to see you there.”

Even though I don’t believe her support will carry much weight with the above 40 population, it definitely should impact the under 40 segment and it’s great to see young support in the face of this struggle. It’s great to see people who are in the public eye become involved as they serve as role models for younger generations. Hopefully she carries a bigger impact then the likes of the conservative, anti-equality ditz, who just a few short months ago was facing the struggle of winning a tiara.

Designer Tom Ford Says Lack of Rights for Gay Couples is 'Disgusting'

Openly gay fashion designer Tom Ford has hit out at the bans on gay marriage and civil partnerships in many parts of the world.

Speaking at a Venice press conference for the premiere of his first film, A Single Man, which stars Colin Firth, he told of his worries should anything happen to he or his partner.

According to Reuters, Ford said: “I have someone I’ve lived together with for 23 years. Recently he was in hospital for something. I had to carry papers on me at all times that he had signed saying that I could visit him in his room and make medical decisions for him if anything happened.

"Our taxes, by the way: if I died tomorrow my estate would be completely taxed and then the remainder go to him whereas if we were a couple his life wouldn’t have to change and my entire estate would move to him. There are things that are wrong with our legal systems in a lot of countries.”

He added: "It is, I have to say, quite disgusting that in America and in other countries you cannot have a civil union or something equivalent to marriage."

Savage Garden Singer Attacks Gay Media

Darren Hayes, the former singer of Savage Garden, has complained about the mainstream media "dumbing down" homosexuality.

He told Gay Times: "I have a whole issue about mainstream pop and certainly television culture, and how damaging that is in terms of dumbing down being gay

"All those clichés about being gay I think are really limiting whereas in reality it's just a trait, it's like eye colour or hair colour, it's a physical trait.

"Being gay is somehow an indulgent choice? It infuriates me. You're either Graham Norton or George Michael getting arrested in parks and I'm neither of those things."

The singer, who tied the knot with his civil partner Richard Cullen in 2006, also singled out US TV show Will & Grace for perpetuating stereotypes.

"I think it appeals to the lowest common denominator that basically there are two types of gay men, the slut, or there's the straight acting guy," he said.

"Neither of these things have anything to do with penises, or cocks in mouths or any of the things that are related to being gay."

Bill Clinton Says Gays Should be Able to Marry

Former president Bill Clinton has said he is now "basically" in favor of gay marriage.

Speaking at the Campus Progress National Conference in Washington DC, Clinton was asked if he supported gay marriage.

According to the The Nation, he replied: "Yeah. I personally support people doing what they want to do. I think it's wrong for someone to stop someone else from doing that [gay marriage]."

During his term, Clinton opposed gay marriage. He was responsible for the Defence of Marriage Act, which bars access to federal benefits for gay couples and gives federal recognition to heterosexual couples only.

Current president Barack Obama has described the law as "abhorrent" and promised to repeal it in his election campaign. The law was defended in court by the Justice Department in June. The defence invoked incest and child marriage as part of its legal argument, infuriating gay activists.

However, Clinton added he still did not believe gay marriage was "a federal question".

In May, he told an audience at Toronto's Convention Centre that his views on the subject were "evolving".

Clinton is the most high-profile politician to date to change his views on gay marriage.

Today is the 40th Anniversary of Stonewall

That’s right, it was on this day in 1969 the patrons of a gay establishment in NYC had decided they had endured enough.

The Stonewall riots were a series of unplanned, yet often violent demonstrations against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, which still stands today in the Greenwich Village area of New York City.

The riots are commonly referred to as the first time in American history that gays and lesbians fought back against a government-sponsored police system that persecuted homosexuals, and were they have come to be the events are known as the beginning of the modern day gay rights movement not only here in the United States but across the globe.

Prior to laws that have been passed since the riots, it was illegal in many states for 3 or more gay men or lesbian women to congregate in any one place, and during the 50’s and 60’s the LGBT community faced an extremely anti-gay legal system which left our community virtually less than second class with literally no rights or legal recourse to challenge discrimination. This, along with the horrible treatment of lesbians gays by police and others set the riots in motion.

At the time of the riots, the Stonewall Inn, was owned by the Mafia and it served a variety of patrons, but it was best known as a popular place for the more “flambouyant” people in the gay community including trans, more effeminate men, male prostitutes and homeless youth.

Raids on gay bars by police were routine in the 60’s, on this particular day, officers lost control of the situation and the crowd broke into a riot. The tension between NYC police and gay NY residents continued to escalate and spurred on even more protests that would continue on for the next several nights.

In only a couple weeks, gay residents of Greenwhich Village organized themselves into activist groups who concentrated their efforts on establishing places for gays and lesbians to be open about their sexual orientation without fear of being arrested.

You can read more about the Stonewall Riots and the Gay Rights Movement at OUTHistory.org!

US Census to Count Married Gay Couples

US Census Bureau officials have said that the 2010 census will count married gay couples, despite previous statements that they would not be recognised.

Steve Jost, a spokesman for the Census Bureau, said the organisation was already working on technical changes to ensure valid information was given.

He told AP: "They will be counted, and they ought to report the way they see themselves.

"In the normal process of reports coming out after the census of 2010, I think the country will have a good data set on which to discuss this phenomenon that is evolving in this country."

The last US census was carried out in 2000, when gay couples could not marry in any state.

Since then, Vermont, Iowa, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine have legalised gay marriage although as yet, marriages have only taken place in Massachuesetts, Connecticut and Iowa.

Same-sex marriage was briefly allowed in California and the state's Supreme Court ruled last month that couples who married during the brief window can stay married.

Previously, the federal Defence of Marriage Act, signed in 1996 by President Bill Clinton, barred the information from being collected. However, the White House announced on Friday that its interpretation of the act did not prohibit gathering the information.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said: "The president and the administration are committed to a fair and accurate count of all Americans.

"We're in the midst of determining the best way to ensure that gay and lesbian couples are accurately counted."

It is thought that counting gay couples will not require a change in the census questions. However, officials say they will need to find out a way to separate those in civil unions who call themselves husbands or wives from those who are actually married or create a new designation for both.

Sacha Baron Cohen Offends Gay Rights Groups

Bruno, the latest film creation from comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, has been met with complaints from gay rights groups.

Baron Cohen has said the character of Bruno, dressed in string vests and leather underwear, is intended to expose hypocrisy by using gay stereotypes.

The film follows the TV journalist as he attempts to be 'cured' of his homosexuality in order to further his career.

However, some gay groups have called the film offensive, saying it may reinforce homophobia.

Rashad Robinson, of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, told the Independent: "Some people in our community may like this movie, but many are not going to be OK with it.

"Sacha Baron Cohen's well-meaning attempt at satire is problematic in many places and outright offensive in others."

This was echoed by the Human Rights Campaign, which said: "We strongly feel that Sacha Baron Cohen and Universal Pictures have a responsibility to remind the viewing public right there in the theatre that this is intended to expose homophobia."

Last week, it was revealed that Sir Elton John had declined a request to allow his track 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' to be used in a cage-fighting scene which ends in two men kissing.

According to the New York Times, Sir Elton "learned of the scene's particulars and blanched" but allowed another track of his to be played in another part of the film.

In a statement issued this week, Universal Pictures, which financed the project, said that Bruno "uses provocative comedy to powerfully shed light on the absurdity of many kinds of intolerance and ignorance, including homophobia.

"By placing himself in radical and risky situations, Sacha Baron Cohen forces both the people Bruno meets and the audience itself to challenge their own stereotypes, preconceptions and discomforts. We believe the overwhelming majority of the audience will understand and appreciate the film's unarguably positive intentions."

Two weeks ago, Baron Cohen staged an elaborate joke at the MTV awards which involved him, dressed as Bruno, being lowered onto the head of rap star Eminem.

There was much speculation whether Eminen, who stormed out of the show, was involved in the stunt. MTV head writer Scott Aukerman later confirmed the pair had rehearsed the scene.

SoFLa Local:Miami Passes Domestic Partnership Ordinance

The City of Miami Commission voted unanimously, 5 – 0, to adopt a Domestic Partnership Ordinance this morning, becoming the third municipality in Miami-Dade County to do so. Commissioners Sanchez, Sarnoff, Regalado, Gonzalez, and Spence-Jones voted in favor of the Ordinance.

The new Ordinance will allow the City of Miami to offer health benefits to the declared domestic partners and their children of city employees in the same manner as the city offers such benefits to spouses of married heterosexual employees. The Ordinance was similarly adopted by the City of Miami Beach and the City of North Miami. Miami-Dade County also offers similar benefits to county employees as the result of work done by SAVE Dade and its partners for an ordinance passed in May of last year.

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff said, “Providing employment benefits, including healthcare, to the domestic partners of our City of Miami employees is a common sense idea that has been far too long in coming. This is nothing more than treating people equally. I am proud to say our City is doing the right thing.”

Asked about the ordinance, Chairman Commissioner Joe Sanchez replied, “This allows us to recruit and retain the best and brightest workers for the City of Miami by offering benefits to domestic partners. This reaffirms our strong belief that all people are equal in Miami, the City of diversity.”

One such employee is Melissa Llera, a City of Miami Firefighter and SAVE Dade volunteer, who has been in a committed relationship with her partner Christie for over 12 years. They have a child together and now both her partner and child will be eligible for health coverage as a result of this Ordinance.

“We thank the Miami’s city commission’s leadership in recognizing that the families of all city employees deserve fair and equitable treatment,” said SAVE Dade’s Executive Director, C.J. Ortuno.

It was the combined efforts of Executive Director C.J. Ortuno, former Executive Director Heddy Pena, SAVE Dade’s Political Committee, and many volunteers that built the support needed for the Ordinance’s successful passage. SAVE Dade also received assistance in developing the language for the ordinance from the LGBT Advocacy Project of the ACLU of Florida, and received assistance in turning out supporters for the commission hearing from other organizations, including Equality Florida.

C.J. Ortuno worked closely with the Ordinance’s co-sponsors, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff and Mayor Manny Diaz, to ensure the Domestic Partnership Ordinance was properly vetted and complied with all legal requirements. After legal review by the city attorney, the Ordinance passed first reading on May 14, 2009 with a 4-0 vote.

Gay Rights: Freedom to Marry? Not Yet!

In a country filled with FREEDOM, why are their restrictuions on Marriage between two loving men or women?

Richard Gere Supports Gay Marriage Rights

Richard Gere is speaking out for same-sex rights in the U.S. in support of his brother, who married during the brief period gay unions were legal in California.

Gere is outraged by the California Supreme Court's recent decision to uphold a gay marriage ban, which came into effect under the Proposition 8 legislation late last year - six months after homosexual unions were declared valid.

And he is adamant there is "no reason" why individuals like his younger brother David should be denied the same rights as straight couples.

He says, "My brother is gay and he got married in that brief period when gay marriage was allowed in California. He has two great kids and is a wonderful father."

Raul Castro’s Daughter Leads Rally in Cuba

Mariela Castro, the daughter of Cuba’s President Raul Castro, led thousands of citizens in a rally on Saturday to promote LGBT rights.

Mariela, who is the director of the Cuban Sex Education Center, kicked off a program of events promoting respect and tolerance of Cuba’s LGBT community during a carnival-style festival held in central Havana.

Castro has stated she wants, “all Cuban people to participate so that the revolution can be deeper and include all the needs of the human being.”

Star Sighting: New Yorkers for Equality

Several New Yorker celebrities, including Cheyene Jackson took part in a massive rally on Sunday which had some influence on those undecided politicians and residents who fear that doing the right thing will hurt them.

Charlize Theron Rallies for Gay Marriage

Hollywood actress Charlize Theron is rallying support for the campaign for gay marriage - she's written an open letter calling for people of all sexual preferences to join in an upcoming demonstration in California.

The Monster star has teamed up with organisers of the Courage Campaign to draw the crowds at the forthcoming Meet in the Middle for Equality rally in Fresno, a city between Los Angeles and San Francisco, reports Eonline.com.

She says, "We know the people whose lives are on the line - those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender - will be there. But we need everyone there. Especially straight people."

The California Supreme Court will decide on lawsuits filed against Prop 8, the ballot proposition outlawing same-sex marriage, in the coming weeks.

But Theron and activists at the Courage Campaign are planning the rally for the weekend after the ruling is announced - regardless of the court's decision.

Explaining the date and choice of location, she adds, "While we don't know when the Supreme Court will rule exactly, we know it will be within the next four weeks. Californians need to be prepared to commit right now to go to Fresno on the Saturday after the decision is announced, no matter what that decision may be.

"The battle for equality has to be fought in Middle America - in places like Fresno, California - not just in gay-friendly cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. California's Central Valley population is far more reflective of national attitudes towards Lgbt (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) equality - and until we engage the communities of Middle America, we will not achieve full equality in California."

South African-born Theron has previously compared America's rules on same-sex marriages to her native country's past apartheid laws.

She said, "I don't like living in an elitist world, it bothers me. I don't want to be part of an elitist sexual preference. It bothers me, maybe it's because I come from a country where I lived under apartheid but this is a form of apartheid and I don't want to be a part of that."

Tony Blair Criticises Vatican on Gay Rights

Tony Blair has criticised the Catholic Church over its stance on gay rights.

In an interview with Attittude magazine, the former British prime minister said the Vatican needed to rethink "entrenched" attitudes towards homosexuality which are out of step with the feelings of most Catholics.

He said: "There is a huge generational difference here. There's probably that same fear amongst religious leaders that if you concede ground on [homosexuality], because attitudes and thinking evolve over time, where does that end? You'd start having to rethink many, many things."

He added: "If you went and asked the [ordinary Catholic] congregation, I think you'd find that their faith is not to be found in those types of entrenched attitudes.

"Actually, we need an attitude of mind where rethinking and the concept of evolving attitudes becomes part of the discipline with which you approach your religious faith."

Blair converted to Catholicism in 2007, after leaving Number 10.

While in office, he introduced civil partnerships for same-sex couples and lowered the age of consent for gay people to the same as for heterosexuals.

In December last year, Pope Benedict XVI said the existence of gay people threatens humanity as much as the destruction of the rainforests does, and that "blurring" genders through acceptance of transgender people would kill off the human race.

He also said man must be protected "from the destruction of himself" and urged respect for the "nature of the human being as man and woman."

"The tropical forests do deserve our protection. But man, as a creature, does not deserve any less," he said.

2010 US Census Will Not Include Gays

The next US census, to be carried out next year, will not ask about sexual orientation or recognise gay marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships.

If two men or two women who live together list themselves as husband and husband, or wife and wife, they will be counted as unmarried partners.

The federal Defence of Marriage Act, signed in 1996 by President Bill Clinton, does not recognise gay unions sanctioned by states.

US Census Bureau spokeswoman Cynthia Endo said: "This is all about the numbers. This not about lifestyle or anything else."

Sharon Raphael, a sociologist who lives with her partner Mina Meyer, told the Press-Telegram: "Certain numbers of us are not out, and when they hide us under these general descriptions … it just makes us more invisible."

"We should be treated the same. First of all, it's just not good science to leave us out for some dumb political reason."

Gary Gates, a demographer at the UCLA School of Law, said that federal law limits census questions to topics for which there is funding, such as income's influence on poverty funding.

There is not a federal funding category for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered, or LGBT, communities..

He added that the situation is a "classic catch-22″ because it is hard to properly assess needs of a group that has not been counted.Tracy Clark-Flory of Salon.com argued that including such information "could inject some potent political power into the lesbian, gay and transgender community".

She added that the results of the census are used by the federal government to make spending decisions on areas such as healthcare.

However, census questions cannot be changed without an act of Congress. As Congress must approve questions no later than two years in advance of the survey, it is too late to change the 2010 count.

Sean Penn Wants to Take Milk to the White House

Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn has said that his film Milk is "one of the steps forward" in the battle for gay marriage.

Mr Penn won the Academy Award for his portrayal of Harvey Milk, the first openly-gay man elected to public office in the United States.

Mr Milk was assassinated less than a year after his election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977.

During his acceptance speech at last week's ceremony Mr Penn spoke about gay marriage.

In November voters in California approved a ballot measure denying gay and lesbian couples the right to marry.

Proposition 8 was in response to a court ruling that gay marriage was legal. The validity of Prop 8 is being challenged in the state Supreme Court.

Between June and November 18,000 same-sex couples got married in California.

Mr Penn said he hoped Milk would change attitudes towards same-sex marriage.

Now he has revealed he wants to take his film to the country's President. "Eventually we are hoping for a White House screening," he said. "I think this film will be one of the steps forward … but I think things are going to go forward with or without it."

"I was once asked to tell the difference between luxury and necessity for a human being. The right to equality for all, including homosexuals, is of course a necessity. That's why this right will become a reality and I think in its own way this film will be part of that."

"The need for tolerance, equality and so on is on the move, and will go on."

President Obama supports civil unions but not same-sex marriage.

On Wednesday the California Supreme Court will hear arguments about the validity of Prop 8.